General Colin Powell, Trailblazer and Respected National Security Leader, Dies At 84

Condolences poured in for General Colin Powell’s family from President Jimmy Carter who led the nation in the 1970s to President Joe Biden. The son of immigrants who rose to the highest ranks of the military and served as the first Black secretary of state died from COVID-19 complications at 84. His family stated he was fully vaccinated and shared that he was also battling a blood cancer.

“Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House. “From his front-seat view of history, advising presidents and shaping our nation’s policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else – in uniform and out – and it earned him the universal respect of the American people.”

Born in New York City and raised in Harlem, Powell advised four presidents. Biden pointed out that he had worked with Powell during the General’s service as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State.

Former President Barack Obama recalled Powell’s support of his first run for the presidency when the General was asked for an opinion about conspiracy theories that Obama was Muslim.

“The correct answer is, he is not a Muslim; he’s a Christian,” Powell said in 2008. “But the really right answer is, ‘What if he is?’ Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer’s no, that’s not American. Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president?”

As a longtime Republican, Powell served as Secretary of State during former President George W. Bush’s Cabinet from 2001 to 2005. The four-star general was the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the position he held before serving in the Bush Cabinet.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a statement as well, saying they “will always be grateful for the chances we had to work with and serve with General Colin Powell.”

Former President Jimmy Carter referred to Powell as a “true patriot and public servant … His courage and integrity will be an inspiration for generations to come.”

The NAACP remembered Powell as a longtime member and supporter and acknowledged that his “resilience as a prominent leader and trailblazer” will be missed.

As the nation’s politics veered toward vitriolic discourse, Powell signaled a growing dissatisfaction. During the 2016 presidential election, he voiced his support for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton instead of adhering to his Republican political affiliation with a vote for Donald Trump. And, again, in 2020 presidential election, Powell voted for Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Described by many as “courageous soldier,” Powell spoke out against the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

General Colin Powell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Alma, and their three children.